a phrase in reference to the film "High Fidelity". Used to describe slow, morose songs, or songs with unabashed tenderness in the lyrics or vocal style.

Jack Black as Barry, "put on some old sad bastard music, see if i care" this was in reference to Belle and Sebastian. other examples of sad bastard music include Low, Roy Orbison, Neil Young, Elliot Smith, Tim Hardin, Smog, wilco, bonnie prince billy, etc.